Laparoscopic flexible suction device and associated methodology

ABSTRACT

A laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the present invention encases a inner rigid cannula with an outer flexible cannula. Upon translating the distal end of outer flexible cannula beyond the distal end of the inner rigid cannula, the outer flexible cannula returns to a preexisting curvilinear shape. This curved extension can thereafter be positioned via a proximal handle to concavities within the surgical site for precise and effective fluid retraction.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/659821 filed 19 Apr. 2018which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate, in general, to surgicaldevices and more particularly to a suction device used in laparoscopyprocedures.

Relevant Background

Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery, sometimes referredto as keyhole surgery, in which operations are performed through smallincisions elsewhere on the body. During laparoscopic surgery a longfiber optic cable system allows viewing of the affected area (surgicalsite) by positioning the cable from a more distant, but easily accessedlocation. Laparoscopic surgery results in reduced pain and hemorrhagingdue to the smaller incisions and recovery time is shorter.

There are multiple different types of laparoscopic surgery but in eachcase the surgeon ability to view the area being treated must remainclear of fluid and debris. To facilitate the treatment area salinesolution may be introduced into the region and then removed via suction.

Many surgical instruments use suction, for example, to remove materialsuch as tissue and fluids from the operating site. Many surgicalinstruments that are used to shave, cut, resect, abrade and/or removetissue, bone and/or other bodily materials are well known and include asuction capability. Such surgical instruments can include a cuttingsurface, such as a rotating blade disposed on an elongated inner tubethat is rotated within an elongated outer tube having a cutting window.The inner and outer tubes together form a surgical cutting instrument orunit. In general, the elongated outer tube includes a distal enddefining an opening or cutting window disposed at a side of the distalend of the outer tube by which debris can be removed.

Suction devices of this type typically consist of straight rigid tubesinserted into the treatment area to introduce or remove fluid.Concavities of the surgery site however capture fluid leaving pockets orareas of fluid not readily accessible by a straight tube. These pocketsof fluid have to be removed, often times via sponges which, in turn,must themselves be removed. A need therefore exists to introduce aflexible and steerable suction device that can maneuver within asurgical treatment site to introduce and remove fluid to aid in theviewing of and treatment of the surgical site. These and otherdeficiencies of the prior art are addressed by one or more embodimentsof the present invention.

Additional advantages and novel features of this invention shall be setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the followingspecification or may be learned by the practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities, combinations, compositions, and methods particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the presentinvention encases a inner rigid cannula with an outer flexible cannula.Upon translating the distal end of outer flexible cannula beyond thedistal end of the inner rigid cannula the outer flexible cannula returnsto a preexisting curvilinear shape. This curved extension can thereafterbe positioned via a proximal handle to concavities within the surgicalsite for precise and effective fluid retraction.

One embodiment of the flexible suction/irrigation device of the presentinvention includes an elongated substantially inner rigid cannula havinga first passageway (lumen) that extends from its distal end to itsproximal end. A handle is connected to the proximal end of the innerrigid cannula to aid in its placement and manipulation. The inventionfurther includes a outer flexible cannula that has a second passageway(lumen) extending therethrough. At least a portion of the inner rigidcannula is deposed within the passageway of the outer flexible cannula.Said differently, the inner rigid cannula resides inside the lumen ofthe outer flexible cannula. A clearance or space exists between theinterior surface of the outer flexible cannula and the outer surface ofthe inner rigid cannula. This space enables the outer flexible cannulato translate longitudinally and radially along/around the inner rigidcannula and to allow fluid flow therebetween. Lastly, the inventionincludes a clamping device operable to releasably seal the interiorsurface of the outer flexible cannula to the exterior surface of theinner rigid cannula proximate to the proximal end of the inner rigidcannula. Upon sealing the outer flexible cannula to the exterior surfaceof the inner rigid cannula, suction or similar fluidic force applied tothe first passageway associated with the inner rigid cannula will berealized at the distal end of the outer flexible cannula.

Other features of the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device ofthe present invention include a vacuum source and/or a fluid sourcecoupled to the first passageway of the inner rigid cannula. By doing sosuction or irrigation can be introduced to the surgical site via thedistal end of the outer flexible cannula.

The outer flexible cannula of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device, in one embodiment, possesses a curvilinearshape memory. The outer flexible cannula, having a curvilinear shape orshape memory is elastically deformable so as to accept the inner rigidcannula as it encases the inner rigid cannula. Then, responsive to aportion of the outer flexible cannula extending beyond the distal end ofthe inner rigid cannula, that portion of the outer flexible returns toits original curvilinear or curved shape.

Upon release of the clamping device freeing the seal between the innersurface of the outer flexible cannula and the outer surface of the innerrigid cannula, the outer flexible cannula is freely translatable alongthe inner rigid cannula. According to another embodiment of the presentinvention, the inner cannula is substantially coextensive with the outercannula and the outer cannula is longitudinally and radially movablewith respect to the inner cannula. Moreover, the outer flexible cannulais electrically non-conductive and thereby insulates the inner rigidcannula from any unwanted or random electrical discharges.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for localizedfluid injection or removal during laparoscopic surgery using thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device includes positioning thedistal end of the device proximate to a surgical site. As describe abovethe laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the presentinvention includes an elongated substantially inner rigid cannula havinga first passageway or lumen extending from its distal end to itsproximal end. The device further includes a outer flexible cannulahaving a second passageway or lumen extending therethrough. At least aportion of the inner rigid cannula is deposed within the secondpassageway (lumen) of the outer flexible cannula. Moreover, there is aclearance or space between an interior surface of the outer flexiblecannula and an outer surface of the inner rigid cannula that is operableto allow fluid flow therebetween.

The method for localized fluid injection and removal continues bysliding (translating) the outer flexible cannula along the inner rigidcannula such that the distal end of the outer flexible cannula extendsbeyond the distal end of the inner rigid cannula. Responsive to thedistal end of the outer flexible cannula extending beyond the distal endof the inner rigid cannula process continues by releasably sealing theinterior surface of the outer flexible cannula to the exterior surfaceof the inner rigid cannula proximate to the proximal end of the innerrigid cannula. And to remove or irrigate fluid at the surgical site afluid force is applied to the proximal end of the first passageway ofthe inner rigid cannula which is realized at the distal end of the outerflexible cannula.

When a portion of the outer flexible cannula extends beyond the distalend of the inner rigid cannula, that portion of the outer flexiblereturns to an original curvilinear shape. This shape is helpful inreaching difficult to reach concavities location at the surgical site.The method describe above includes restoring the portion of the flexibleout cannula extending beyond the distal end of the inner rigid cannulato its preexisting curved state. Recall that while the inner rigidcannula is substantially coextensive with the outer cannula, wherein theouter flexible cannula is longitudinally and radially movable withrespect to the inner rigid cannula.

While the outer flexible cannula possesses a preexisting curved shapethe methodology of the present invention elastically deforms the outerflexible cannula so as to conform to the inner rigid cannula when theyare coextensive. And upon applying a fluid force to the proximal end ofthe inner rigid cannula, the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationdevice removes fluid from the surgical site (by application of a suctionforce) and/or injects fluid to the surgical site (upon application of airrigation force).

The features and advantages described in this disclosure and in thefollowing detailed description are not all-inclusive. Many additionalfeatures and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof.Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specificationhas been principally selected for readability and instructional purposesand may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe theinventive subject matter; reference to the claims is necessary todetermine such inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the presentinvention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent,and the invention itself will be best understood, by reference to thefollowing description of one or more embodiments taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device,according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the outerflexible cannula retracted;

FIG. 2 shows the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device,according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the outerflexible cannula extended beyond the distal end of the inner rigidcannula;

FIG. 3 presents a cut-away view of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device and its associated clamping device, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the distal end ofthe outer flexible cannula with lateral openings by which thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the present inventioncan retrieve fluid;

FIG. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of the outer flexiblecannula with a singular opening at the distal end by which thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the present inventioncan retrieve fluid;

FIG. 6 presents a side view the outer flexible cannula of thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device extended beyond thedistal end of the inner rigid cannula whereby the outer flexible cannulaexhibits a curvilinear shape;

FIG. 7 is a high level view a laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for one embodiment of a methodology for thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the presentinvention.

The Figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles of the invention described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device, positional within asurgical site, provides discrete and localized fluid evacuation andirrigation. The present invention introduces a flexible curvilinearcannula into a laparoscopic surgical environment enabling surgicalpersonnel the ability to quickly and efficiently evacuate and irrigatethe surgical site. A inner rigid cannula is circumscribed by a outerflexible cannula. The combined rigid/flexible cannulas are positionedwithin a surgical site via a laparoscopic trocar. Once proximate to thesurgical site the inner rigid cannula is partially withdrawn allowingthe outer flexible cannula to return to its natural curvilinear shape. Aclamp at the proximal end of the outer flexible cannula provides afluidic seal between the inner and out cannula such that a fluid force(suction or irrigation) conveyed through the inner rigid cannula isexpressed at the distal end of the outer flexible cannula.

Embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described in detailwith reference to the accompanying Figures. Although the invention hasbeen described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity,it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by wayof example and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangementof parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplaryembodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the embodiments described hereincan be made without departing from the scope and spirit of theinvention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructionsare omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of theinvention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not forthe purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those ofskill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effectthe characteristic was intended to provide.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, thesizes of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may beexaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface”includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the specification andrelevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overlyformal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions orconstructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

It will be also understood that when an element is referred to as being“on,” “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”,“mounted” etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to,connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element orintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being, for example, “directly on,” “directly attached”to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directlycontacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present.It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that referencesto a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another featuremay have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,”“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of a device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in thefigures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements orfeatures. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both anorientation of “over” and “under”. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms“upwardly,” “downwardly,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and the like are usedherein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Included in the description are flowcharts depicting examples of themethodology associated with the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationdevice of the present invention. It is to be understood that the blocksof the flowchart illustrations support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions and combinations of steps forperforming the specified functions. It will also be understood that eachblock of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardwaresystems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinationsof special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciatestill additional alternative structural and functional designs arecontemplated for a laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device andits associated methodology through the disclosed principles herein.Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have beenillustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosedembodiments are not limited to the precise construction and componentsdisclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, whichwill be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in thearrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosedherein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in theappended claims.

FIG. 1 presents one embodiment of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device of the present invention. An inner rigidcannula 101 is inserted within an outer flexible cannula 102. The outerflexible cannula 102 is dimensioned such that clearance (space) 110exists between the interior surface 120 of the outer flexible cannulaand the outer surface 130 of the inner rigid cannula. Accordingly, theouter flexible cannula 102 can freely translate along the longitudelength of the inner rigid cannula 101 and allow fluid flow therebetween.The inner rigid cannula 101, which in one embodiment may compriseexisting suction/hydro dissection tips includes a first passageway bywhich a fluidic force can be applied. The proximal end 140 of the outerflexible cannula 102 is fixedly coupled to a clamping device 145. Uponselection of a desired positional relationship between the outer andinner cannulas the clamping device 145 seals the outer flexible cannula102 to the inner rigid cannula 101 terminating fluid flow between theinterior surface 120 of the outer flexible cannula 102 and the outersurface 130 of the inner rigid cannula 101 thereby directing the fluidforce to the distal end 150 of the inner rigid cannula 101 and, to theextent that the outer flexible cannula 102 is extended beyond the distalend 150 of the inner rigid cannula 102, to the distal end 160 of theouter flexible cannula 102.

As presented in FIG. 1, the distal end 160 of the outer flexible cannula102 and the distal end 150 of the inner rigid cannula 101 arecoexistent. In this configuration, upon the clamping device 145 sealingthe outer flexible cannula 102 to the inner rigid cannula 101, thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device of the present inventionoperates as a traditional laparoscopic suction/irrigation device. Thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device can be positioned withinthe surgical site to provide the surgeon with better visualization.

With additional reference to FIG. 2, the inner rigid cannula 101 of thelaparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device is shown to be withdrawn210 enabling the outer flexible cannula 102 to return to its inherent orpredetermined curvilinear shape 220. Upon the distal end 160 of theouter flexible cannula 102 achieving a desired degree of curvature, theclamping device 145 is once again engaged, and a fluidic force appliedto the first passageway. As a seal now exists between the inner surface120 of the outer flexible cannula 102 and the outer surface 130 of theinner cannula 101, the fluid force is conveyed to the distal end of thesecond passageway associated with the outer flexible cannula 102. Thecurved distal end 160 of the outer flexible cannula 102 enables thesurgical staff to position the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationdevice around anatomical structures and into concave areas. The distalend 160 can also deconflict with other robotic instrumentation at theworking site and aid in providing visualization and a cohesive workingenvironment. Rather than moving the standard laparoscopic instruments toallow a rigid suction/irrigation device into the surgical site, thepresent invention can place the distal end 160 of the outer flexiblecannula 102 at the needed remote area to evacuate/irrigate the site.Such flexibility and concurrent use of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device of the present invention enables the surgicalteam to work more efficiently. For example, normally a surgeon wouldengage normal laparoscopic devices at the surgical site. The result ofthat interaction invariably forms debris that obscures the surgeonvisualization. To restore visualization the surgeon would normallywithdraw these tools and replace them with a laparoscopic suction orhydro dissection tip fixed to a rigid tube. The rigid nature of thedistal end of the tube however is often ineffective. The laparoscopicflexible suction/irrigation device of the present invention enables thesurgical tools to remain at the surgical site while the laparoscopicflexible suction/irrigation device restores visualization.

The outer flexible cannula 102 of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device possesses, in one embodiment, inherentcurvilinear properties. The outer flexible cannula 102 is elasticallydeformed upon the insertion of the inner rigid cannula 101 intopassageway of the outer flexible cannula 102. Upon the removal 210 ofthe inner rigid cannula 101 the outer flexible cannula 102 resumes itsnatural curved shape 220. As depicted in FIG. 2, the inner rigid cannulahas been withdrawn 210 to enable the outer flexible cannula 102 toreturn to a shape consistent with approximately a 45-degree distal enddeflection 230. In one embodiment the distal end 160 of the outerflexible cannula 102 can include fiducial markers 240 to aid in itspositioning. As the inner rigid cannula 101 is withdrawn 210 further theouter flexible cannula 102 continues to curve. In one embodiment of thepresent invention the distal end 160 of the outer flexible cannula 102can achieve a 90-degree deflection with respect to the distal end of theinner rigid cannula. The curved nature of the outer flexible cannula 102can be achieved by having the distal end 150 of the device tubingelastically pre-bent by a mold, temperature curing or any othermanufacturing process to achieve the curving action.

FIG. 3 shows a cutaway side view of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device of the present invention. The clamping device145 is fixedly connected to the proximal end 310 of the outer flexiblecannula 102. The inner rigid cannula 101, having a first passageway 320therethrough, is positioned within a second passageway 330 associatedwith the outer flexible cannula 102. In an open, unclamped, position,the inner rigid cannula 101 is free to translated within the secondpassageway 330 of the outer flexible cannula 102. A lever coupled to theclamping device constricts the clamping device 145 around thecircumference of the outer flexible cannula 102 to form a seal betweenthe inner surface 120 of the outer flexible cannula 102 and the outersurface 130 of the inner rigid cannula 101. With a fluidic seal inplace, the application of a fluidic force through the passageway of theinner rigid cannula is conveyed to the distal end of the outer flexiblecannula.

The distal end 160 of the outer flexible cannula 102 can have areinforced passageway 420, top or port holes 410 (shown in FIGS. 4 and5) to allow for suction release and to disperse fluid when applied tothe tip of the inner rigid cannula. The outer flexible cannula 102 ofthe present invention is, in one embodiment, formed from medical gradetubing. Medical tubing is used for fluid management and drainage as wellas with anesthesiology and respiratory equipment, IVs, catheters,peristaltic pumps, and biopharmaceutical laboratory equipment. There area broad range of materials used to construct medical tubing suitable foruse with the present invention. As will be appreciated by one orreasonable skill in the relevant art, the type of material used in theouter flexible cannula determines important performance properties suchas abrasion resistance, hardness, flexibility, and durability. Theminimum bend radius of the outer flexible cannula is selected such thatthe outer flexible cannula will not kink or be permanently deformed whenextended beyond the distal end of the inner rigid cannula or whenpositioned over the inner rigid cannula. Moreover, the pressure ratingand vacuum rating of the outer flexible cannula is considered inselecting the grade and specification of the material used in itsconstruction. Materials suitable for use in construction of the outerflexible cannula can include Ethylene Propylene (EP), Fluoro-elastomer(FKM), Isobutylene Isoprene Butyl (IIR), Isoprene (IR), Nitrile Rubber(NBR), Polychloroprene (CR), Polyurethane (PU), Silicone Rubber,Styrene-butadiene (SBR) and the like.

Another feature of the outer flexible cannula of the present inventionis its insulating characteristics. During laparoscopic surgery thepresence of various equipment and surgical devices can result inelectrical arcs discharged at the surgical site. If the surgeon iscontrolling active bleeding or performing dissection withelectrocautery, the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device ofthe present invention can be used to provide better visualization,better outcomes and result in a safer procedure as it can be usedactively closer to electrocautery. Indeed, cauterization devices engagesuch technology to control hemorrhaging at the surgical site. Suchelectrical discharges, when uncontrolled, can be harmful. Without thedevice in place, the metallic suction/hydro dissection tips currently inuse in the prior art will cause arcing to occur when used close toelectrocautery and can cause stray energy to injure a bowel or adjacentstructures because of the conductivity of metal. The outer flexiblecannula of the present invention insulates the inner rigid cannulasubstantially reducing or even eliminating any arcing risk.

In another embodiment of the present invention the distal end of theouter flexible cannula can be configured to be curved by one or morecords or cables placed along the passageway of the flexible tubing andalong the exterior of the rigid device. In this embodiment of thepresent invention and as shown in FIG. 6 the cable or cord 610 isactuated at the distal end 160 of the outer flexible cannula 102 afterit is extended beyond the suction/hydro dissection tip of the innerrigid cannula. The cord places a sector of the flexible portion of thetube in compression. As one quadrant or sector of the flexible tube isin compression and not supported by the rigid device, the portion oftube extending beyond the rigid device will deflect. In otherembodiments multiple cords can be used to control the amount and thedirection of the deflection.

The invention can also include magnetic material placed longitudinallyalong the distal end of the device on one side could be actuated byapplying electromagnetic energy causing the tubing to curve as themagnetic material draws closer and causes the side to contract causingthe distal end to curve. Other features that enable and control theouter flexible cannula to curve are contemplated and are to be deemedwithin the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a high-level view of a laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation system 700 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. A laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device asdescribed herein is inserted into a trocar. The trocar functions as aportal for the subsequent placement of other instruments, such asgraspers, scissors, staplers including the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device. Trocars are used a means of introduction forcameras and laparoscopic hand instruments to perform surgery hithertocarried out by making a large incision (“open” surgery). Coupled to thedistal end of the inner rigid cannula of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device is a selectable valve 710. The valve connectsa suction 720 or vacuum source and a fluid source 730. As is well knownand discussed herein, laparoscopic surgery requires removal of debrisand fluid at the surgical site to aid in visualization. Converselyhydro-dissection (using high pressure fluid as a cutting tool) can alsobe used by the surgeon as an alternative to traditional cutting tools.Other components of the system shown in FIG. 7 can include regulatorsand hand/foot controls to assist in the utilization of the laparoscopicflexible suction/irrigation device.

FIG. 8 presents a flowchart depicting one methodology for using aflexible suction/irrigation device in laparoscopic surgery consistentwith the present invention. In practice, the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device of the present invention is used inconjunction with other laparoscopic tools which are all introducedproximate to the surgical site via a trocar. These implementationmethodologies are known within the art and the specifics of theirapplication within the context of the present invention will be readilyapparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art in light of thisspecification. Prior to introduction into the trocar the outer flexiblecannula is placed over the distal tip of the inner rigid cannula asshown in the prior figures. The device is then fully seated and locked(sealed) onto the tip via the clamping device. At this point the distalend of the inner rigid cannula and the outer flexible cannula aresubstantially coexistent. The tip of the laparoscopic flexiblesuction/irrigation device is then inserted through the lumen of alaparoscopic surgical trocar proximal to a surgical site, for example,the abdomen of a patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The device isdirected by a handle 740 on the proximal end of the laparoscopicflexible suction/irrigation device to a position 810 the distal endinside the patient where suction or irrigation needs to be applied tofacilitate the laparoscopic procedure to be performed.

The device of the present invention can, in this configuration, be usedin a retracted position “straight” until there is a need to have suctionor irrigation applied to an area around a structure or another devicebeing used during the procedure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the methodologyfor use of the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device begins805 by unlocking the clamping device at the proximal end and retractingthe inner rigid cannula. Effectively the retracting of the inner rigidcannula slides 820 the outer flexible cannula along the inner rigidcannula such that the distal end of the flexible cannula extends beyondthe distal end (tip) of the inner rigid cannula. At that point the outerflexible cannula is clamped (releasably sealed) 840 to the inner rigidcannula at the proximal end of the inner rigid cannula. The portion ofouter flexible cannula, no longer being elastically deformed by theinner rigid cannula and apart from the inner rigid cannula, reverts tois curvilinear shape.

The tip of the outer flexible cannula is thereafter positioned aroundanatomical structures to areas at the surgical site that would beotherwise unreachable with the straight inflexible configuration tofacilitate effective fluid evacuation. Once positioned, a fluidic force(suction) to the outer flexible cannula is applied 860 via the innerrigid cannula. Upon completion of the evacuation, the fluid force isremoved and the device can then be unlocked and repositioned ending theprocess 895. Alternatively, the inner rigid cannula can be extended toonce again be coexistent with the outer flexible cannula and thereafterused for straight for rigid dissection, retraction, suction orirrigation. The process can be performed at any time as needed duringthe procedure to achieve the benefits of function of the curved distalend.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certaindegree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosurehas been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in thecombination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation device and associatedmethodology of the present invention enables surgeons and their staff toeffective remove fluid and debris from recessed, concavities, and hardto reach regions at a surgical site without removing and repositioningother laparoscopic instruments. By simply unclamping and repositioningthe relationship between an outer flexible cannula with respect to aninner rigid cannula, the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigation deviceintroduces a curved cannula through which suction or irrigation can beapplied. Upon completion the laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationdevice can be reconfigured and yet applied to a different location atthe surgical site. The present invention greatly increases visualizationof the surgical site and makes the laparoscopic procedure more efficientwhile reducing risk.

While there have been described above the principles of the presentinvention in conjunction with a laparoscopic flexible suction/irrigationdevice and its associated methodology, it is to be clearly understoodthat the foregoing description is made only by way of example and not asa limitation to the scope of the invention. Particularly, it isrecognized that the teachings of the foregoing disclosure will suggestother modifications to those persons skilled in the relevant art. Suchmodifications may involve other features that are already known per seand which may be used instead of or in addition to features alreadydescribed herein. Although claims have been formulated in thisapplication to particular combinations of features, it should beunderstood that the scope of the disclosure herein also includes anynovel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed eitherexplicitly or implicitly or any generalization or modification thereofwhich would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, whetheror not such relates to the same invention as presently claimed in anyclaim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technicalproblems as confronted by the present invention. The Applicant herebyreserves the right to formulate new claims to such features and/orcombinations of such features during the prosecution of the presentapplication or of any further application derived therefrom.

1. A surgical device comprising: an elongated substantially inner rigidcannula having a first passageway extending from a distal end of theinner rigid cannula to a proximal end of the inner rigid cannula; ahandle connected to the proximal end of the inner rigid cannula; anouter flexible cannula having a second passageway extending therethroughwherein at least a portion of the inner rigid cannula is deposed withinthe second passageway of the outer flexible cannula, there beingclearance between an interior surface of the outer flexible cannula andan outer surface of the inner rigid cannula to allow fluid flowtherebetween; and a clamping device operable to releasably seal theinterior surface of the outer flexible cannula to the outer surface ofthe inner rigid cannula proximate to the proximal end of the inner rigidcannula.
 2. The surgical device of claim 1, further comprising a vacuumsource coupled to the first passageway of the inner rigid cannula. 3.The surgical device of claim 1, further comprising a fluid sourcecoupled to the first passageway of the inner rigid cannula.
 4. Thesurgical device of claim 1, wherein the outer flexible cannula includesa curvilinear shape memory.
 5. The surgical device of claim 1, whereinthe outer flexible cannula having a curvilinear shape is elasticallydeformable so as to accept the inner rigid cannula.
 6. The surgicaldevice of claim 1, wherein responsive to a portion of the outer flexiblecannula extending beyond the distal end of the inner rigid cannula, thatportion of the outer flexible cannula returns to an original curvilinearshape.
 7. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein responsive to theouter flexible cannula extending beyond the distal end of the innerrigid cannula, the outer flexible cannula returns to a preexistingcurved shape.
 8. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the outerflexible cannula translates freely along the inner rigid cannula.
 9. Thesurgical device of claim 1, wherein the inner rigid cannula issubstantially coextensive with the outer flexible cannula and whereinthe outer flexible cannula is longitudinally and radially movable withrespect to the inner rigid cannula.
 10. The surgical device of claim 1,wherein the outer flexible cannula is electrically nonconductive.
 11. Amethod of using a surgical device for localized fluid injection orremoval during laparoscopic surgery, the method comprising: positioningthe surgical device proximate to a surgical site wherein the surgicaldevice includes an elongated substantially inner rigid cannula having afirst passageway extending from a distal end of the inner rigid cannulato a proximal end of the inner rigid cannula and an outer flexiblecannula having a second passageway extending therethrough wherein atleast a portion of the inner rigid cannula is deposed within the secondpassageway of the outer flexible cannula, there being clearance betweenan interior surface of the outer flexible cannula and an outer surfaceof the inner rigid cannula operable to allow fluid flow therebetween;sliding an outer flexible cannula along the inner rigid cannula suchthat a distal end of the outer flexible cannula extends beyond thedistal end of the inner rigid cannula; releasably sealing the interiorsurface of the outer flexible cannula to the outer surface of the innerrigid cannula proximate to the proximal end of the inner rigid cannula;and applying a fluidic force to the first passageway.
 12. The method ofusing a surgical device according to claim 11, wherein responsive to aportion of the outer flexible cannula extending beyond the distal end ofthe inner rigid cannula, that portion of the outer flexible returns toan original curvilinear shape.
 13. The method of using a surgical deviceaccording to claim 12, further comprising restoring the portion of theouter flexible cannula extending beyond the distal end of the innerrigid cannula to a preexisting curved state.
 14. The method of using asurgical device according to claim 11, further comprising positioningthe inner rigid cannula substantially coextensive with the outerflexible cannula, wherein the outer flexible cannula is longitudinallyand radially movable with respect to the inner rigid cannula.
 15. Themethod of using a surgical device according to claim 11, furthercomprising elastically deforming the outer flexible cannula so as toconform to the inner rigid cannula.
 16. The method of using a surgicaldevice according to claim 11, further comprising translating the outerflexible cannula freely along the inner rigid cannula.
 17. The method ofusing a surgical device according to claim 11, wherein the fluidic forceremoves fluid from the surgical site.
 18. The method of using a surgicaldevice according to claim 11, wherein the fluidic force injects fluid tothe surgical site.